DODGERS NOTEBOOK: VALDES THROWS IN 1ST SIMULATED GAME.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Ismael Valdes, sidelined since late July with a strained left-side muscle, took a major step toward returning to the Dodgers starting rotation Tuesday by pitching his first simulated game.

Valdes, injured in his July 27 start against Arizona, threw 30 pitches against live batters for the first time, before the Dodgers 6-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

``We were very pleased with the way he threw,'' manager Glenn Hoffman said. ``A lot depends how he feels tomorrow, but if he gets through that he could be ready for the next step.''

If Valdes come out of Tuesday's session without pain, he will accompany the team to Florida and pitch Friday in a minor-league rehabilitation start for Class-A Vero Beach. If that goes well, Valdes could return to the Dodgers before Sept. 1.

``That felt great,'' said Valdes, who was 9-9 with a 3.92 ERA before the injury. ``I'll throw in Vero, but I really think I'm ready to go.''

The Dodgers then would have to decide which starter would go to the bullpen. Fifth starter Brian Bohanon has been the club's most consistent pitcher, allowing just seven earned runs in his last seven starts

Beltre out: With Bobby Bonilla producing at third base, the Dodgers will sit rookie Adrian Beltre today for the fourth consecutive game.

``We've talked to him,'' Hoffman said. ``He knows we have to go with the best team to get us back in this thing, That is not a reflection on him. We have Bobby Bo and if he's hitting, he's playing. It's as simple as that.''

Beltre batted 6 for 23 on the last homestand but made a few defensive mistakes that led some to believe he is feeling some pressure. After all, he is 20 years old and was at Class-A this time last year.

``It can be overwhelming,'' Hoffman said. ``But a lot of positives have come out of Beltre being here.''

Coaches move: Hitting instructor Mickey Hatcher, who also has been the Dodgers first-base coach since taking over for Reggie Smith, will now work from the dugout during the games.

Hoffman wants Hatcher to have a more one-on-one approach with the batters. John Shelby, who has been in the dugout despite originally hired to be the bullpen coach, moves to first base.

Quick hits: Bonilla, who played with the Pirates from 1986-91, moved into sixth place on the all-time Three Rivers Stadium home run list with his second-inning homer. He now has 57, behind Willie Stargell (147), Dave Parker (88), Barry Bonds (87), Bill Robinson (64) and Andy Van Slyke (61). . . . Antonio Osuna pitched the eighth for the Dodgers and was clocked at 97 mph on the radar gun. He walked one batter but looked effective. ``It was my first time out in six days,'' said Osuna, who hadn't pitched since Aug. 12, when he lost for the first time in eight decisions. ``I was very strong. I felt sharp, too. You know you're going to throw hard after a layoff. But I'm glad where I put the ball.''

DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH

Time: 4:05 p.m., Three Rivers Stadium.

TV/Radio: 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the final game between these two teams this season, left-hander Brian Bohanon (6-7, 2.75) faces right-hander Todd Van Poppel (1-1, 5.19). Bohanon has been the Dodgers hottest starter, allowing just seven earned runs in his past six starts. Van Poppel, who lost to the Dodgers on July 1 when he was a member of the Texas Rangers, retired just one batter in his last start, but the Pirates came back to beat Cincinnati 9-6 last Thursday.

- Matt McHale

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Photo, Box

PHOTO VALDES

BOX: DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH (see text)